Escobar moves up to eight-hole

At least for today, when Alcides Escobar imoves up a spot against Zach Duke and the Pirates in the opener of a three-game series. I’m guessing that manager Ken Macha’s decision to bat the pitcher in the more conventional nine-hole has something to do with Jason Bourgeois making the start in right field and batting second.

Second baseman Felipe Lopez, who returned to action Thursday after missing one start with a right foot injury, was walking extremely gingerly around the clubhouse yesterday afternoon, but he’s back in action tonight. And so much for seeing more of Mike Rivera; the backup catcher had been paired with Manny Parra of late, but Jason Kendall is catching tonight.

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